Pictures and Stories from the 2012 WV Birthday Piece Line

Our roving WV Birthday Photographer / Reporter sent the following photos and stories to match  we'll attempt to do them in one large post.
Thanks To Phani  -  For Four Years Now he's provided us with photos of this 24 hour event.  June  20 - 24 ( day varies)  Blenko Glass sells
a limited number of a special designed for the occassion vase - called WV Birthday Vase / Blenko.

#1 & #2: Leslie and Christian Kimworthy (no pic, but Leslie's picture is in July 2011 post)
- Came in at 4:30am, on Thursday for the piece. Helped Blenko Wrap the gifts and package them in to the gift bag.

#2 & #3: Ralph and Abbey Borror

- Came in at 6:30am, on Thursday for the piece. Were #1 & #2 last year. Story is published in July 2011.

#5 Matt (10th grade). He came in last year as well. He was #8 last year.

#6 Carolyn Shaver, Missed last year but came the year before. She came in at 6:30am on Friday along with her daughter Crystal who is #8

#7 is Debbie Deweese, was #7 last year as well. Her Daughter is studying law at Purdue now.
#9 James Shifflett was #5 last year. Visiting this year with him wife (Shelby - #11) and Son (Chris #10)
#10 Chris Shifflett: he was #10 last year.
#11 Shelby Shifflett, I think first time to Blenko.

#12 Rachel McDonald, 10th grade at Cabell Middle school. She and Matt (#5) are twins. Rachel swapped her number card (#12) with Phani (#15).



#13 Patsy Stewart, info on her is in July 2011 Blenko BD post. She came in at 11am on friday.
#14 Mary Douglas, info on her is in July 2011 Blenko BD post. She came in at 11am on friday. Mary is kind enough to take to save my chair for next year for the event which I plan to attend.

#15 Phani

#16 Geoge Jackson, his story is published last year. His wife is not attending the event this year.

#17 Larry Burley, his story is published last year. His story is published last year.

#18 Darren smith, Works for dept. of veterans affairs, Huntington. He came in last year and was in 40's in the line.

#19 Syndi smith - 5th grade (Daughter of Darrent smith). Both Father and Daughter are collecting blenko for 5 years.

Cindy Sharp, Ralph Sharp, Mark Greathouse, Eppie Boles, Danny Dawson and his wife have attended the event this year. They were here last year as well.

Eppie Boles: Not sure which # she is but she has been collecting Blenko BD glass since Blenko started having BD glass. She has all the pieces but her 1983 BD bowl has cracks. She is trying to find a replacement. She has a total of 33 pieces to date. She never purchased anything other than Blenko BD glass but had many gifts from friends and family. Worked at Union carbide plant till 2002 and retired. She lives in St. Albans.

Hillary made it this year with her Dad and they are in the Mid 80's. Her mother is not yet 100% to be able to make it. Hillary's uncle Barry is the Mid. 70's in the line.

Everyone is excited about next year, as it would be 150th WV birthday. Arlon Bayliss has already started working on concepts for next year. This year he made a slide show of the BD piece signing prior to the event and also a slide show on the eve. of BD event, where he let a camera capture pictures every 30secs. It was presented upstairs Blenko visitor center during BD event.

It rained during the day for a half hr but the people in the line had enough shelter to keep them dry. It was a nice warm day, chilly night with Foggy ending the next morning and a perfect setting for the BD event this year. Hopefully everyone this year would be able to make it next year for the big event and very anxious at that.

--
Phani

Little bird told me . . .80% off littala Birds

While I don't often promote anything made out of USA -  I own a few of these,
they make great 'thank you', 'hostess', birthday gifts.  Happy Shopping.  hjh

Littala Birds - 80% off
Petite and sweet, these little birds will bring delight to a small space. Their designer, Oiva Toikka, is one of the greatest names in Finnish glass, known for his elegant, yet playful, birds. All of Toikka's birds, available in a multitude of colors, are individually made and highly collected pieces of art. Toikka signs each little bird, handmade at Iittala's famous glassworks in Nuutajarvi, Finland.
http://glassmarket.cmog.org/?utm_source=exacttarget&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=062212_iittalabird_noretail

Blenko BD 2012 Stories

On June 20th, West Virginia celebrated its 149th Birthday. Blenko Glass, one of the few remaining Glass making companies has been celebrating the state birthday by producing a limited number of birthday glass since 1980. This year and for the past few years, Artist Arlon Bayliss has been designing the Blenko Birthday glass. The glass was available for purchase on 23rd June (Saturday) for $149. The glass is numbered and limited to 1 per person.

 Quite a few number of Glass enthusiasts have showed up for the event and few camped at the premises 2 days prior to the event. Here are a few people and their pictures and stories during the event.

 #1 & #2

First in line is Leslie and her husband Christian Kimworthy (#2). They were at the facility on June 21st at 4:30AM. They both helped Blenko wrap the glass in gift bags for the event. They were #3 & #4 last year.

#3 & #4

Ralph and Abbey Borror Came in at 6:30am, on Thursday for the piece. Were #1 & #2 last year. Story is published in July 2011.

 

#5 Matt (10th grade). He came in last year as well. He was #8 last year. Rachel, his twin sister is #12 this year. #12 Rachel McDonald, 10th grade at Cabell Middle school. She and Matt (#5) are twins. Rachel swapped her number card (#12) with Phani (#15).

#6 Carolyn Shaver, Missed last year but came the year before. She came in at 6:30am on Friday along with her daughter Crystal who is #8 this year. Carolyn's husband's picture is also attached. He had a lot of fun with this great grandson. 

#7 is Debbie Deweese, was #7 last year as well. Her picture is posted in July 2011 blog post. 

#9 James Shifflett (left) was #5 last year. Visiting this year with his wife (Shelby - #11) and Son (Chris #10, right). #10 Chris Shifflett: he was #10 last year. #11 Shelby Shifflett is first time to Blenko BD event.

#13 Patsy Stewart (right), info on her is in July 2011 Blenko BD post. She came in at 11am on friday. She was #10 for the past 2 years. Mary Douglas, #14 (left) is Patsy's sister in law. She is #9 last year. She came in at 11am on friday. Mary is kind enough to take to save my chair for next year for the event which I plan to attend.

#15 Phani was #12 for the past 3 years. 

#16 Geoge Jackson, his story is published last year. His wife is not attending the event this year.

#17 Larry Burley, his story is published last year. His story is published last year.

#18 Darren smith, Works for dept. of veterans affairs, Huntington. He came in last year and was in 40's in the line. #19 Syndi smith - 5th grade (Daughter of Darrent smith). Both Father and Daughter are collecting blenko for 5 years.

Cindy Sharp, Ralph Sharp, Mark Greathouse, Eppie Boles, Danny Dawson and his wife have attended the event this year. They were here last year as well. Picture below is of Mark with Eppie. 

Eppie Boles: Not sure which # she is but she has been collecting Blenko BD glass since Blenko started having BD glass. She has all the pieces but her 1983 BD bowl has cracks. She is trying to find a replacement. She has a total of 33 pieces to date. She never purchased anything other than Blenko BD glass but had many gifts from friends and family. Worked at Union carbide plant till 2002 and retired. She lives in St. Albans.

Hillary made it this year with her Dad and they are in the Mid 80's. Her mother is not yet 100% to be able to
make it. Hillary's uncle Barry is the Mid. 70's in the line.

Everyone is excited about next year as it would be 150th WV birthday. Arlon Bayliss has already started
working on concepts for next year. This year he made a slide show of the BD piece signing prior to the event and also a slide show on the eve. of BD event, where he let a camera capture pictures every 30secs. It was presented upstairs Blenko visitor center during BD event.


It rained during the day for a half hr but the people in the line had enough shelter to keep them dry. It was a nice warm day, chilly night with Foggy ending the next morning and a perfect setting for the BD event this year. Hopefully everyone this year would be able to make it next year for the big event and very anxious at that.


-Phani

Bottle Show in Weston, West Virginia

Weston, WV – History comes alive on Saturday, June 30, 2012 at the 8th Annual Bottle, Fruit Jar and Insulator Show held at the Museum of American Glass in West Virginia from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The show, held in conjunction with the Weston Street Fair, features a dozen or more collectors from West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio. These knowledgeable collectors will have a few prized items for display only, but most of the bottles, fruit jar and insulators will be for sale. Some items have been recovered from abandoned and filled-in wells and privies which the collectors dig in order to find this long forgotten glass. Admission to the show is free.

For those wanting to sell, the first 6-foot table is free, then just $5.00 for each additional table. Set up starts at 7:00 a.m. with parking available next to the Museum. Call 304-269-5006 between noon and 4:00 p.m. to reserve your table.

In addition there will be a sidewalk sale in front of the Museum displaying table-top antiques and lots of glass. The Museum is selling many duplicate pieces of donated glass from its collection.

This could be a day of family fun as the Museum has a children’s section and a wonderful marble section as well as the permanent display of American Glass. Then it could be on to the Weston Street Fair and Antique Market with food, crafts and entertainment provided by a wide variety of bands and even a Weston Idol contest.

The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia is open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day noon to 4:00pm.  The balance of the year the museum is open daily noon to 4:00pm and closed on Wednesday and Sunday. Admission is free. It is easily accessible off I-79 exit 99 onto US 33 West for two miles to Main Avenue. A left turn onto Main and the museum is on the left at 230 Main Avenue. Begun in 1992, the museum relocated to its present location in 2007 and occupies 12,000 square feet with over 12,000 pieces of glass on permanent display. The museum is home to the National Marble Museum and The American Flint Glass Workers Union Archives.  The museum holds an annual marble festival and numerous special exhibits throughout the year.  More information can be found at http://wvmag.bglances.com/. Questions about programs or the museum can be directed to 304-269-5006.

Live-streamed Studio Demonstration: Gianni Toso & Matthew Urban

Gianni Toso & Matthew Urban - Reinterpreting Italian Techniques
Wednesday, June 27
11am - 12pm

Watch Gianni Toso and Matthew Urban demonstrate for their Reinterpreting Italian Techniques class at The Studio. This demonstration will offer insight into the class as a whole, which will focus on reinterpreting the glassblowing techniques that defined Italian glass in the modern era, between 1930 and 1960. The class will explore processes such as incalmo, pullegusso, primavera, and merletto.

No registration or fee is required to watch this portion of the class. Connect to our Ustream channel on June 27 to watch.

Seeing Red -

Hillery
See this red print.  I am angry.  You need to respond quicker and with acqurate information. Three weeks ago I sent a set of photographs asking for help with identification.  I got a auto text
that's all.
I then sent them again and again.
When do you work?  Blenko should fire you!  You don't do a good job with the blog and you are slow.   Also I need the name and phone number of Suzan who bought glass from me two years ago I met her via the blog.
Gloria D.
Gloria,
Your note made see also see red.  See this photo - I'm a dentist.  I do work 40+ hours a week, I volunteer in my community and I have a  house , a dog, a full life,  I maintain the blenko project and the blog as a service.  I do not profit from either.    I do not sell glass.  We identify glass as a
service to the public - the http://blenkoproject.org//  will have all Blenko Catalogs in print you may go there and identify your glass.   I will not put you in contact with anyone.  . . I don't know the people who comment.  I will post vintage glass needing new homes  and forward contacts of those interested.
I am not an employee of Blenko. Blenko is a small family owned business,  they don't have funds to hire someone to identify glass owned by you.  
Google to find other website that provide Glass ID - most charge a small fee , and the wait time is 6-8 weeks.    Thank you for purchasing Blenko.   I am sorry you feel your needs are not being met.
HJH

Blenko WV Birthday Vase - Saturday 8 am

The 149th Blenko Birthday piece sale is TODAY!
Birthday at 8am  Cake is  available on 2nd floor in the Blenko Museum area -  You'll want to take photos of the cakes.  The taste is equally awesome.  hjh

Don't miss your chance to have 1 of 149 vases ... and  a serving  of cake!

Ernie's Fused Glass Plates

While you are visiting Blenko Glass -  Check out Ernie's fused glass plates -  he also designs much of the jewelry offered at Blenko.

The plates are reasonably priced.  If you can't afford a Birthday Vase  - or just aren't " into" this series - own a piece of the Birthday Celebration  for a very small sum.

2012 Birthday Piece

Don't forget the 2012 Blenko WV Birthday Piece is on sale Tomorrow, June 23 starting at 8 am at the Benko Visitors Center!

 149 pieces for $149 each.

Blenko Birthday 2012

OK  I admit - each year I think ' this is one is the best'  but this year -The vase is awesome! -  well you'll have to see for your self!

Arlon Bayliss each and every year - makes a very special design for the WV Birthday Collectors', he understands us.  He knows we come a day or two in advance - we come from Texas, Virginia, California, Fla, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Conn.  We sit in the Rain, the heat, we tolerte the bugs.   We are engineers, doctors, painters, housewives, executives, IT folk, students,Realtors, nurses whatever - but for the 24 hours we are together we are brothers and sisters - we are united by our collections - we are FRIENDS who meet yearly.    IF  you don't collect WV Birthday Vases  why not start this year -  don't let us have all this fun without YOU!  Blenko Glass collectors are a great group of people.   If you do decide to come, make certain you let us know you are here - and you are a first timer!

     If you are looking for older Birthday Vases I've heard from five collectors they will be offering vases  83 to 2003  during the sale.  I suggested folks bring photos of what they are offering.  Also if you wish to purchase - having a photo helps - not every one knows the year or the designer.    GOOD LUCK!  See you in Milton early Saturday morning!

Remember to bring your check book and do some early Xmas Shopping - The Blenko will be available for signing glass. 

Tangerine Blenko ID

Readers  can we help this blog friend  with her identifcation?  hjh

hello,
thank you for being kind enough to help out with the Blenko bottle. I apologize for the delay in getting back to you, I have had some problems with my email (I totally crashed it somehow) but hope I have it lined out now. I am attaching images of the Bottle and will send in two messages in case the files are too big.

It looks like a tangerine #6315 Husted flat body decanter and I was quite happy to have found it. Though I am uncertain if it is indeed Blenko as it shows visible mold lines, some wrinkles in the glass as well as some darker striations within the glass that do not seem in keeping with Blenko.  I am new to Blenko and am a bit unsure about it but I did read that sometimes later in production different finishers might have made different grades of product and there  could be variations.  I would appreciate any help in identifying the bottle and informational sites or links that may help me with learning about Blenko in general as I have a few more pieces I would like to research if possible.  I am very excited about the Blenko and hope to learn all about it I can!
thanks again!
T

Saturday June 23rd WV Birthday Vase BLENKO GLASS

The vase designed by Arlon Bayliss & Teams goes on sale at 8 am -  you'll want to arrive 
several hours before Blenko opens.

This year Blenko Glass  continuing the gracious custom of glass signing -  you may have any purchase signed by Mr. Andy Blenko or Mr. Walter Blenko. 
The Blenko Glass teams have filled the shelves at the Visitors Center with glass you'll want to own.  After you purchase the Blenko WV Birthday Vase.  Return to the Gift Shop and spend several hours looking at the array of special glass.
Ernie our St Albans friend  designed plates with an image of Bayliss and the 2012 Vase which will be offered for sale.  These plates and Diane Webers' cards are the best non glass items I've seen in a long time- well actually Ernie's plate is fused glass.

Blenko -  where -  Made In USA  is a Given!   Buy Local  -  Made Local .   Blenko  has been buying Local for decades.   Everything in Blenko is Made In the USA and most everything is Made In WVa  by your friends and neighbors.

Plan to attend the West Virginia Birthday Celebration on Saturday June 23rd  -  Blenko Glass, Milton, WVa.

http://www.blenkoproject.org/.   To learn about Blenko Glass -  the history of Blenko Glass,  the Museum, The Gift Shop The Glass Garden,  The Blenko Family.

Art is not a Luxury...

 Blenko reader sent this copy of this Ad

Art is not a Luxury, it is a Necessity

Blenko Glass Ad 1964

www.blenkoproject.org

http://www.blenkoproject.org/  New to Blenko Glass?
Check out this website - devoted to collecting and identifying Blenko Glass.
We do not sell glass  -  our goal is to promote WVa and Blenko Glass and to assist you increasing your knowledge of the product.

Blenko Catalogs 1966 to 1974

If you own Blenko Glass Catalogs  1966 to 1974   please email  theblenkoproject@aol.com .

Blenko Glass Celebrates WV Birthday: 

Here is the rest of the information for the day.

Saturday, June 23

Special VC Hours 8am-5pm

Limit one per person. No advance orders. No phone orders

Only 149 pieces available

Each piece is hand-numbered and hand-signed by Designer Arlon Bayliss and Walter Blenko, Jr.

West Virginia Birthday Cake and refreshments will be served

Signing Event

Walter Blenko, Jr. President and Andy Blenko, Vice President will be on hand to greet customers

And sign additional purchases throughout the day.

Arlon Bayliss will be on hand to greet customers.

Can we help this reader identify her glass?

HJH

Hello J

Sure hoping you can help!!  My eyes are crossing from looking at pictures, books, catalog pages and I still can’t decide if this is really Blenko.  I bought it at an auction and they said it was Blenko 1960’s.  If you can help…..I will be ever soooooo grateful.  It is crackle, 19 ½ - 20” tall, jonquil?? And @ 10” wide.  It appears to have the “Vaseline” effect under certain lighting. I will attach additional photos. 

Thanks,

Donna

WV Birthday Celebration - Blenko Glass - June 23rd

Mark your calendars  Saturday June 23rd - WV Birthday Celebration at Blenko Glass.
The birthday vase goes on sale early am -  however,  Blenko is open all day.
On the 2nd floor in the Museum area -  you'll find  delicious cake decorated with the outline of our beautiful State of West Virginia and a cake that is a replica of the 2012 Blenko Birthday Vase.
   Each year the Blenko family and staff  graciously offers cake and drink along with glass signing
and other special events ( www.blenkoglass.com  for complete schedule).   You'll have an opportunity to meet and speak with  Blenko family members, Mr. Andy Blenko,  Mr. Walter Blenko Jr. - President,  Arlon Bayliss the Blenko Glass designer and creator of the 2012 Birthday Vase,  and
 Katie Trippe Blenko VP Blenko Glass.   Its an opportunity to meet and greet these important folks.
     Several years ago WV Janis ( a blog follower) submitted ideas for future WV Birthday Vases along with a request for the size to remain less than 18 inches tall to Blenko Glass designer
Arlon Bayliss.  Blenko wants to hear from you - what you like, what Blenko you collect.  Your favorite colors, 
what we can do to make your shopping experience more pleasurable. 
    Blenko understands not everyone is 'into' the Birthday Vase -  for this event the shelves are fully stocked with glass.    If you are looking for a unique hand crafted made in WVa item -You will not leave Blenko disappointed.
     Bring the family,  plan a picnic near the pond -  unless the ducks are sitting on nest - the glass garden is open.   The grounds at Blenko are wonderful all year long,  but I'm particularly fond of June and July when everything is in full bloom.
      Decades ago Marion Blenko ( Spouse of WH Blenko)  envisioned a peaceful garden, filled with unique plants and a pond.  Joel P. Myers designed the panels surrounding the garden,  in the time since many other designers,  Blenko employees and others have worked hard to  keep the pond, and the garden open for your pleasure.
      Blenko Glass.  Blenko Glass,  Milton, WVa.   Where everything is Made In USA  - most 
items are made in West Virginia.  hjh

 Ps  Don't forget to bring a camera.  
       **Blenko Glass Waterbottle card from the collection of Diane Weber
         available at Blenko Glass giftshop and also on Etsy.
    

We Need..

The Blenko Project needs
2002 and 2006 Blenko catalogs - if you have these please contact us. 
We need photos of John Nickerson's  charisma.
We need photos of  any unique Nickerson glass.
   We also need photos of Matt Carter's designs - if you own - please consider sending us a copy.
Theblenkoproject@aol.com.
Thank you.
hjh

Pittsburgh Glass Center

From our blogger friend - Tony Patti
http://www.pittsburghglasscenter.org/gallery/hodge-upcoming.aspx

BOTTLES AND BOBS FROM DOWN UNDER
Pittsburgh Glass Center (PGC) presents “10 Years of Bottles and Bobs: A Survey” by Australian glass artist Nick Mount from June 1 – July 15, 2012.
The exhibition illustrates the dominant theme and aesthetic characteristics of Nick Mount’s work from 2002 to 2012 and traces the evolution of his “Scent Bottles” and “Plumb Bobs.”
Visit PGC in Pittsburgh’s East End at 5472 Penn Avenue, two blocks west of the Penn & Negley Avenue intersection or visit PGC online at http://www.pittsburghglasscenter.org
Nick Mount is one of Australia’s most accomplished and celebrated studio glass artists. Fast approaching his fifth decade working in the field, he has been at the forefront of innovation and achievement since the early 1970s.
Mount’s earliest and most enduring influences include the U.S. west coast glass scene and the traditions of the Venetians. He was introduced to these by the American glass artist, Richard Marquis, whose approach to glassblowing and mastery of the medium has also had a lasting impact on his work.
Informed but not confined by tradition, Mount is known for his production, commission and exhibition work. Since the late 1990s he has focused on an evolving series of ‘Scent Bottles’. Sculptural assemblages that range in scale and character, they offer limitless potential and combine a respect for traditional Venetian glassmaking techniques with a wry Australian wit.

Mount’s work is represented in major public and private collections. He teaches regularly at glass centers around the world and is known for his reputation as a generous teacher, demonstrator and mentor.

WV Birthday Vase Collection 2007 - Or Year # 1 of Bayliss Team Designs.

Bayliss describes this as WVa rivers and mountains.  The size is perfect,  and the color combination is superior.  If you don't yet collect WVa Birthday Vases may I suggest you start now -  this year 2012
then look on the after market for 2007 - 2012.
Bayliss Design Team is responsible for  five (5)- soon to be six  (6) very unique and delightful vases.

   To learn more about Arlon Bayliss and other Blenko designers  go to http://www.blenkoproject.org/

Remembering a Blenko Project Board Member

Jeff Schaffer, corporate leader in advocating for the employment of people with disabilities, Blenkophile, beloved to his family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, passed away unexpectedly on December 17, 2011, at age 52.  Just before he died, he became a member of the Blenko Project board and already was contributing his ideas, suggestions, and time to creating an accurate database of provenance files.  Jeff cared very much about the historical integrity of items advertised as Blenko, sometimes correcting online listings that misrepresented them (diplomatically and using his online identity, as a few of you, who are reading this obituary, may have experienced).

Jeff was born and raised in suburban Chicago, son of an architect and teacher. He earned both bachelors and masters degrees at American University in public administration Washington, DC, and settled in the area, where he remained for the rest of his life. He and his wife owned a weekend home in West Virginia, where he first was introduced to Blenko glass.

At the time of his death, Jeff had recently retired as a Principal at the international management-consulting firm, Booz Allen Hamilton, where he worked for 27 years.  In the early years, he managed and led projects for the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration.  On December 31, 1996, Jeff’s life and work focus changed forever: A college student, who was adjusting her car radio, hit Jeff’s truck head-on, coming around a curve on a winding West Virginia mountain highway. After a month in the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Unit, he fought his way back to work six months later through multiple surgeries and physical therapy, vowing to change corporate culture after being disabled by the accident.

Jeff became a champion of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and approached his CEO, Ralph Shrader, with the idea of forming a task force and creating and implementing a corporate model for employing people with disabilities. He cited the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities: 'People with disabilities are the nation's largest minority, and the only one that any person can join at any time.'  Jeff later served on the President’s Committee during both the Clinton and Bush administrations.

Jeff was featured in Business Week magazine as the recipient of the 1999 U.S. Industry-Labor Council’s (ILC) National Center for Disability Services’ Manager of the Year award, given to him by Bill Gates, and was one of a handful of Booz Allen employees to receive the firm’s first Visionary Awards, created to recognize individuals whose dedication to diversity manifested itself in concrete and meaningful ways, changing the corporate culture of firm.  He received many other awards during his work life in this and other work focus areas, but these were the awards of which he was most proud.

Jeff owned hundreds of pieces of Blenko glass, but was not a collector for financial gain; he truly had a love and appreciation of Blenko glass---especially anything designed by Wayne Husted, and he kept and displayed for pure enjoyment any Blenko glass that he purchased.  This became more important to him as the Blenko Glass company and museums experienced financial hardship or even closed.  He had the space to store, catalogue, and display—and he did. Jeff also owned prototypes of Wayne Husted’s Olana line, post Olana pieces, catalogues, posters, books, and many of Wayne’s original sketches.
Serendipity brought Wayne and Jeff together online.  They soon became trusted friends, speaking regularly on the phone as well as by email.  Wayne visited Jeff at his home last year, and after that visit, Wayne designed a triptych of stained glass windows based on the Olana line for the two-story front windows of Jeff’s house, which Jeff commissioned but never saw hanging.  He had planned to unveil them at a celebration with Wayne and members of the Blenko collectors’ community in attendance.
Instead of the celebration of the windows and their designer, family and friends from near and far, neighbors, and coworkers gathered at Jeff’s house to celebrate him, taking turns speaking about him amid the light and color of the glass that represented the spirit of Jeff.  Wayne contributed a beautiful eulogy that was much appreciated by all.


He will be missed and remembered.

-J.S. (Jeff’s sister)